Topic: Discipleship
Series: Pivot – Circles and Rows
The new norm has arrived but God’s call for the church remains the same. Jesus gives the church the ultimate cause – making disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20). If we have forgotten our life mission, lost our focus or quenched our passion, now is the time to remember and renew our commitment to the cause of Christ.
General Questions:
Perspective Questions:
1) What is the difference between the mission that Jesus has given us and charity work or other good causes?
2) What are some fears or concerns that Christians commonly face in making disciples? What are some new concerns or fears because of the pandemic? How do Christians resolve their difficulties?
3) How does being a disciple-maker help us to become better disciples ourselves?
Application Questions:
1) How can we make disciples wherever we are right now in light of the new norm that we are in?
2) How has the new norm changed the way we make disciples? What are some things that remain and some things that need to change? What do we need to reinforce or replace in order to be effective in disciple-making today?
3) Disciple-making takes place in a communal setting. Discuss how the LG can be more intentional or effective in their efforts to make the LG a more conducive place for discipleship to take place.
Good things are meant to be shared! And so too, the Good News of Jesus must reach many more out there. What practical actions can we take and how do we maintain our passion for evangelism?
Good things are meant to be shared! And so too, the Good News of Jesus must reach many more out there. What practical actions can we take and how do we maintain our passion for evangelism?
1) Excitement for evangelism is an overflow of personal experience with God. When was the last time you receive a fresh touch from God?
2) Ps Lawrence shares we can be so comfortable and busy living in our circles that we no longer have pre-believing friends. What are some reasons believers can land into such a situation? How can believers be intentional in building relationships with the lost? It is always easier to love and associate with people similar to ourselves, how can we prepare ourselves to love people who are different from us?
3) Jesus calls us to care for those who cannot care for themselves. Jesus did this by coming down and walking among the very people that needed him. What are some ways believers can walk among the neediest of our society? As a Life Group, how can we encourage each other to care and help those in need?
We live in a society that emphasises results and speed. We want the desired outcome and we want it as soon as possible. Even though we know that the Christian race looks more like a marathon, many of us treat it like a sprint. How can we be believers that do not just run fast, but run far? How can we run a good race and finish it well? Join us as we kick-off our four-part Core Modules series with the message, Running The Distance.
In this fast-changing world, the need to be ‘future ready’ is growing more prevalent. Governments, businesses, and schools navigate future challenges with good foresight, keeping up with the times, and develop resilience in the face of adversity.
But what does Scripture say about the endgame that believers need to prepare for? In this 4-part series on 2 Peter, explore Peter’s instructions for believers to be future-ready in the way that God wants His people to be.
THE IMPACT OF HIS FUTURE ON OUR PRESENT
Text: 2 Peter 3:11-13
Series: Endgame – Becoming Future Ready
We know the endgame that is Christ’s return, so how should we conduct ourselves until it happens? Some may be obsessed with knowing when the world will end because they want to be prepared. Yet Jesus is clear that the time is unknown though He will certainly come. How then can we as believers be prepared?
Discussion Guide
1) We live in expectation of His coming (11-12)
What do you do when you’re expecting something, like a baby, promotion or good results? How is it similar to how you would prepare for Christ’s return? What does Christ’s second coming mean to you? Do you look forward to it, and why? What does our anticipation (or lack of it) for Christ’s return say about our attachment to the world? How does Christ’s return affect your desire to live holy and godly lives? When you think about holiness, what comes to mind? In the Bible, holiness means that we as God’s people are set apart for God for His purpose and to reflect His character. This includes being upright in our ethics, for God possesses superior moral qualities. How does holy living look like in our workplace, school or home, especially when the majority culture adheres to different values? How is it different from the licentious lifestyles of some who do not know God? What struggles do Christians normally face in holy living? Godly living is living in a way that acknowledges the God we worship and fulfils His expectations of His people. How can we demonstrate our devotion to God in our dealings with people, career, money etc? Why is it important to not just do the right thing but to do it out of a heart of devotion to God? How can we grow in our understanding of what God expects of us? What usually hinders Christians from godly living? In light of Christ’s return, how can the Life Group encourage one another in holy and godly living?
2) We live in hope of His promised new world (13)
We have all faced hurts and disappointment in our lives. How do we view these scars? When we face other tough times, how do we usually deal with it? Meanwhile, there are others who seem to be carefree and unaffected by troubles. Why do you think they behave this way? How do you think they view the world? Should we emulate their worldview? Why? Peter urges believers to “look forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.” How does this encourage those of us who are going through difficult times in this world? What does this tell us about hope? How is hope different from wishful thinking? By looking at the things/areas that we have invested our resources and energy in, it is easy to spot what some of us may have placed our hope in (e.g. wealth, achievements, social status etc). Take some time to consider these things and evaluate them side by side with the promised new world. Which is more permanent? Which is more secure? Why? Why can we be certain that the righteous new order will definitely come to pass? In other words, how do we know that God will keep the promise of ushering in the new world? Instead of placing our hope in things of this world, how can we place our hope in God who keeps His word? How can the Life Group spur one another on to look forward to the new world?
Reflection Questions
1) We live in expectation of His coming (11-12)
What does Christ’s second coming mean to you? Do you look forward to it, and why? How does Christ’s return affect your desire to live holy and godly lives?
2) We live in hope of His promised new world (13)
How do we know that God will keep His promise of ushering in the new world? How does this encourage those of us who are going through difficult times in this world? Instead of placing our hope in things of this world, how can we place our hope in God who keeps His word?
THE CERTAINTY OF HIS COMING
2 Peter 3:1-7
Series: Endgame – Becoming Future Ready
“Future ready” is usually defined as the ability to plan with foresight, keep up with the times and be resilient in the face of uncertainty. But what does the Bible say about being future ready? What is the right view of the future we should have?
Discussion Guide
1) The wrong view: Christ will not judge the world (3-4)
The term “judgment day” is often used to describe moments in life where we come to face something truly important, usually with a tinge of fear or dread. For example, the announcing of restructuring in your company, the day of a job interview, or the release of national exam results. What thoughts come to mind when someone mentions “judgement day”? What feelings get stirred? As Christians, what is our understanding of judgment? Discuss in your Life Group.
In 2 Peter 3:3-4, the Apostle Peter warned believers of the presence and teachings of “scoffers”. What was wrong about their message on judgment and the coming of Jesus? What was their reason for thinking that Jesus will not come? How did their belief guide the way they lived their lives? Would you say they answered to themselves or to God? Why? What happens when people live as if they are accountable to no one else but themselves?
“The greatest tragedy in this lifetime is knowing Christ, yet carrying on living as if we do not.” Reflect on how knowing Christ has affected the way we live our lives, e.g. choosing to prioritise people because they matter to God. Share 1-2 areas to your Life Group and give thanks together for what God has done. Are there areas in our lives that are yet to be influenced by Christ and His gospel? Identify what might be stopping you from yielding these areas to God, and resolve to speak to your mentors or leaders about it.
2) The right view: Christ will return to judge the world (5-7)
Living in a busy city like Singapore means that much of our focus and attention is naturally drawn to the daily demands of life. It is easy to get caught up living for the here and now, with immediate rewards like work promotions and long holidays providing encouragement for our next chase. Do the people around you live in such a way, for the here and now? Share how they exhibit this in the type of decisions they make for themselves.
In contrast with the false teachers who denied Christ’s coming and thought that they did not need to account to Him, Christians know from Scripture that God will carry out His promise to judge the world in the future. How does Christ’s coming alter our view of the future? Realising that we have to answer to Him, what truly matters in this life on earth?
Think about some people you know who role-model and set good examples for how one should live. How do they exhibit their beliefs in the decisions they make? Consider how we have been orientating our lives and what we have been striving towards daily. What occupies our time? What drives our work and use of resources? Are there some decisions we need to make for ourselves regarding the way we live our lives today? Commit to respond to God today.
Come together as a Life Group to pray, that every member will grow to make every earthly decision in light of Christ’s coming and our eternity with Him.
Reflection Questions
1) The wrong view: Christ will not judge the world (3-4)
In 2 Peter 3:3-4, the Apostle Peter warned believers of the presence and teachings of “scoffers”. What was wrong about their message on judgment and the coming of Jesus? What was their reason for thinking that Jesus would not come? Would you say they answered to themselves or to God? What happens when people live as if they are accountable to no one else but themselves?
2) The right view: Christ will return to judge the world (5-7)
In contrast with the false teachers who denied Christ’s coming and thought that they did not need to account to Him, Christians know from Scripture that God will carry out His promise to judge the world in the future. How does Christ’s coming alter our view of the future? Realising that we have to answer to Him, what truly matters in this life on earth? What occupies our time? What drives our work and use of resources?
READY TO LET THE WORLD SEE
Series: ‘Let The World See’ Hope Conference 2019
Discussion Guide
How do we prepare ourselves to let the world see?
Being salt and light is no easy feat. How can we go against the tide to stand firm on our beliefs and values? How can we overcome the odds to influence the world for Christ?
The Church must be ready to fulfil its mission to be in the world but not of the world. We must be discipled to exercise our influence as salt and light. We must learn to depend on God and keep in step with the Holy Spirit to retain our distinctiveness. We must be prepared to Let the World See Christ in Us.
Reflection Questions
Why is it important to maintain our “saltiness”? In what ways can we be contaminated and lose the distinctiveness of our identity as the people of God? How can we encourage one another to keep our “saltiness”?
HOW TO LET THE WORLD SEE?
Series: ‘Let The World See’ Hope Conference 2019
Discussion Guide
As we go about our lives, we can participate in many good causes. But what should our focus as the Church be? Should we aim to become a bridge that connects people to Christ? Should we cross boundaries and smash barriers to bring about reconciliation? Should we actively engage people no matter where we go, but for what purpose?
The Church should never be confined by the four walls of the church building. It is our calling to go out there and Let the World See.
Reflection Question
What defines Christian love? As a Christian, what should motivate us to love others selflessly? What makes you say so? What should we stop and start doing in order to love like Christ loves?